Turkey tail

Cresta de gall - T. versicolor — Hen of the woods - *Trametes versicolor*

Properties and benefits of Turkey Tail

Hen of the woods is recognized as a potent anti-tumor medicine. It is indicated for treating different types of cancers and counteracting the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It is indicated for treating a variety of viral (HPV, Herpes, Hepatitis B and C), bacterial, and fungal pathologies. It modulates and enhances the immune system. It is a potent anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and cholesterol regulator. It is indicated in cases of suffering from:

Certain viruses such as herpes-8 (HHV-8), Epstein-Barr (EBV), papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, and HIV
Infections of viral, bacterial, and fungal origin
Effectiveness against chronic viral pathologies
Esophageal, gastric, nasopharyngeal, pulmonary, breast, prostate, ovarian, cervical, and colorectal cancer, lymphomas, and leukemias
Side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy
Capable of inhibiting the development of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, E. coli and E. Shigella
Peripheral neuropathies
Cholesterol
Allergies
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Irritable bowel
Fibromyalgia
Autoimmune hepatitis
Hypothyroidism
Recurrent cystitis

Antioxidants: The combination of different active compounds generates a high antioxidant potential capable of inhibiting the action of free radicals. This action repairs the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Immunoactivator: Stimulates and enhances the response elements of the immune system such as macrophages, immunoglobulins, T lymphocytes, and NK cells. It defends the organism against viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. It inhibits the growth of tumors and harmful cells.
Immunoregulatory: Unlike medicinal plants like echinacea, which stimulate the immune system unidirectionally, the Rooster's Comb acts bidirectionally. It regulates the immune response according to the needs of each person.
Antibacterial: Promotes healthy intestinal microbiota and inhibits certain bacteria.
Antiviral: Contains active molecules against various viruses.
Antitumoral: It is the mushroom with the most scientific evidence for antitumor properties. The active principles PSK and PSP are responsible for these effects and are used as adjuncts in cancer treatments.
Neuroprotective: Reduces peripheral neuropathies.
Cholesterol reducer:
Prebiotic: Beta-glucans promote a healthy gut microbiota rich in Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.

Active principles of the Turkey Tail extract

Alpha, beta, and delta-glucans: Antitumor properties.
Glycoproteins: Modulate and regulate the immune system. PSP and PSK are the main glycoproteins and are found in drugs available on the market.
Sterols: Mainly ergosterol, precursor of vitamin D2, with antiviral and anti-viral action. Contains beta-sitosterol, which reduces cholesterol.
Phenolic compounds.
Free amino acids.
Vitamins.
Minerals.
Fatty acids.
Flavonoids.

Origin and morphological characteristics of the Turkey Tail

The scientific name is Trametes versicolor, referring to its resemblance to the tail of a turkey. It was formerly known as Polyporus versicolor and Polystictus versicolornames that describe their changing concentric colors.

Its geographical distribution is worldwide, found in different climates and forests. However, its use is more widespread in Asia.

It is a saprophytic mushroom that grows on old trunks, broken branches, and tree stumps, forming overlapping colonies. It has a woody texture and a hairy feel. Its colors vary between brown, orange, gray, green, and blue, and it has a large fan or shell shape, with a diameter of 5 to 8 cm.

The cultivation the Turkey Tail is intended for medicinal uses and is made in bags with hardwood sawdust supplements. Once sterilized, they are inoculated with mycelium and produce mushrooms in a few months.

History of the use of the Turkey Tail

It is mentioned in the oldest work of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), written by Emperor Yan or Shen Nong about 5,000 years. Traditionally, TCM considers that it stimulates the spleen and pancreas.

Due to its leathery texture, Turkey Tail is not considered edible, but historically it has been used in infusions, decoctions, and alcoholic extractions for medicinal purposes. It has also been used as a decorative element for its elegance.

Contraindications

We recommend not taking the extract if you are on anticoagulants, antidepressants, or antipsychotics. Treatment should be interrupted before surgeries. Consult a doctor in case of doubts or medical treatments.

Not suitable for people with liver dysfunction, ex-alcoholics, children, or pregnant women.

Scientific studies

Teplyakova TV, Pyankov OV, Safatov AS, et al. Water Extract of the Chaga Medicinal Mushroom, Inonotus obliquus (Agaricomycetes), Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication in Vero E6 and Vero Cell Culture Experiments. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2022;24(2):23-30. doi:10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2021042012
He Z, Lin J, He Y, Liu S. Polysaccharide-Peptide from Trametes versicolor: The Potential Medicine for Colorectal Cancer Treatment. Biomedicines. 2022;10(11):2841. Published 2022 Nov 7. doi:10.3390/biomedicines10112841
Pilkington K, Wieland LS, Teng L, Jin XY, Storey D, Liu JP. Coriolus (Trametes) versicolor mushroom to reduce adverse effects from chemotherapy or radiotherapy in people with colorectal cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022;11(11):CD012053. Published 2022 Nov 29. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012053.pub2
Njue AW, Omolo J, Ramos RS, Santos CBR, Kimani NM. Ergostanes from the mushroom Trametes versicolor and their cancer cell inhibition: In vitro and in silico evaluation. Steroids. 2024;212:109511. doi:10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109511
Lowenthal R, Taylor M, Gidden JA, et al. The mycelium of the Trametes versicolor synn. Coriolus versicolor (Turkey tail mushroom) exhibit anti-melanoma activity in vitro. Biomed Pharmacother. 2023;161:114424. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114424
Jędrzejewski T, Pawlikowska M, Sobocińska J, Wrotek S. COVID-19 and Cancer Diseases - The Potential of Coriolus versicolor Mushroom to Combat Global Health Challenges. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(5):4864. Published 2023 Mar 2. doi:10.3390/ijms24054864
Huang Z, Zhang M, Wang Y, Zhang S, Jiang X. Extracellular and Intracellular Polysaccharide Extracts of Trametes versicolor Improve Lipid Profiles Via Serum Regulation of Lipid-Regulating Enzymes in Hyperlipidemic Mice. Curr Microbiol. 2020;77(11):3526-3537. doi:10.1007/s00284-020-02156-3